We did feel it was more constructive her being out rather than in and rowing with everyone, but it was difficult, and it was hard for Craig, he felt he was behaving OK and she was getting all the treats. Anne still worked with Anna but didn’t take her to Burger King and McDonalds any longer and she rearranged her work with Anna so that she could stay at home and have a meal with the rest of the family. Sometimes parents were worried that workers might not see the whole picture or that they sided with young people against them.

It was as though we were saying one thing, like with punishment. Both workers and families were asked to identify one element of the service that they thought was most helpful to families they worked with/in their situation. The most commonly mentioned aspect was the quality of the staff, their commitment to the job and therefore the supportive relationship that they were able to build with family members.

It was like a friendship level, as if they really cared. You know, we weren’t just another couple, like another family, like we deal with this family get them off the list. I suppose a lot of it is about personality, isn’t it, if you feel that there is somebody there who would be approachable. And I think we got that message, ‘we are here to support you if you need support’. You’re actually getting people actually devoted to doing the job, not because it’s a fantastic wage, not because there’s a great deal of kudos out of it all, but just pure and simply because they’re interested in people.

I think the message comes across stronger and clearer and people probably take more notice because they are prepared to respect that person who’s delivering it. It’s everything, the way that you can just ring the bell. Mandy, who is on the office, she opens the door and they make you feel so welcome. I think the biggest thing that a social worker can give anyone is just time, space and energy, going in and giving part of themselves. Read More : Perth Property Valuers